First Monday Preview

In his second stint (and third year) as council president, we hear that Mr. Gahan intends to lock in the council agendas five business days prior to the meetings. That might make it easier for members and watchdogs to prepare. It might just make it easier for members.

It does create a situation where evolving issues will be shut out from discussion. One such issue where the city council could lend its influence has arisen. We are waiting to find out if this new, unannounced parliamentary procedure will be used to stifle debate or invigorate it. The convenience of members shouldn't be the paramount consideration. But then, as seen below, some members just need more time to avoid confusion. But will they use the extra time or simply wait until the gavel falls to begin their consideration.

In any event, you don't have to wait until Monday to study up. The Feb. 4 agenda is posted now, accompanied online by the exhibits included in members' packets.

It may come as a surprise that the council intends to revisit its decision to withdraw its lawsuits against the sewer board and the stormwater board. That was one of two pieces of litigation that were put to rest at the last regular meeting of January, but apparently this council wants its day in court and wants Judge Cody to adjudicate the issue of professional service contracts.

A majority of the last council (and this one, too, apparently) believes that management contracts are required to be bid out. The question isn't whether they ought to be. It's whether the law requires professional service contracts to be let for proposal and bids. It's an arcane point and probably being driven by legal experts on the council, but it's going to cost us to find out.

As of this writing, we hear that the council has made no further efforts to end the other litigation in the case where they are the defendants. Despite a looming federal court deadline on Monday, no settlement document has been filed in the city's electoral district equal protection case. Monday is the day when council was required to submit a response to the judge. Could the council be planning to rescind that vote, too?

Another item on the agenda is an additional appropriation of $10,000 to fund animal control and round-up operations. This item was not approved under the previous budget, so money must be found elsewhere to meet the "new" need.

Some $53,000 is scheduled to be added to the unsafe building fund, also.

As is the law for appropriations ordinances, a public hearing will take place prior to the council meeting. We invite all you other shadows to join us in the third floor assembly room on Hauss Square on Monday evening.